AG Tom Horne Responded to Courts Decision Re: Disqualification

PHOENIX (Friday, October 28, 2011) -- Attorney General Tom Horne today responded to a court’s decision disqualifying the Attorney General’s office from proceeding in the Independent Redistricting Commission case, based on the Attorney General’s previous representation of the commission, even though the incident in question occurred long after the Attorney General no longer represented the commission. The case has been referred to Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery.

Horne stated: “We believe that the court’s decision today regarding the investigation of the Independent Redistricting Commission is erroneous. Before this case started we consulted with the ethics attorney of the AG’s office, who was also the ethics attorney under Attorney General Goddard. She concluded that there was not a conflict for this particular incident which occurred after the Attorney General no longer represented the Commission. I believe today’s court decision would be reversed on appeal. However, that would take precious time. I have therefore referred the case to Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, who I feel confident will pursue the matter as vigorously as I did. By immediately referring this case to him, we avoid any delay for appeal.”